Effect of shelter on plant and animal production

Shelter may subs tantially increase the productivity of livestock by increasing the supply of pasture and /or by mitigation of environmental stress. Shelterbelts, individual and clumps of trees, may also counter erosion and salting that are major hazards to agriculture. Fodder trees and timber producing species could provide other benefits in shelter systems.

Mortality of lambs can be reduced by 50% if effective shelter is provided; development of practical systems is required. Shelter for newly shorn sheep is essential in southern Australia and particularly where sheep are shorn in winter.

Exposure to cold increases maintenance energy costs. Conversely, exposure to heat may restrict feed intake and reduce productivity.